Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT PHOTO FORMATS EXPLAINED

Why are photo files labeled differently; e.g., JPG, HEIF, RAW, Pro RAW, GIF, PNG, etc.? Can you give me a simple answer as to what file format to use for what reason?

Mary Kay

Dear Mary Kay,

The most used file format is JPG: Joint Photographic Experts Group. Developed in 1992 specifically for digital photo storage, it was created for storing large image files in small spaces (very much like ZIP files). However, there is a major drawback to JPG files: while JPG makes the image data file smaller by reducing sections of images to blocks of pixels, (the process called lossy), this compression process causes distortion of the image (sharp lines, crisp edges and colors are blurred and smeared depending on how much you compress the file). Even worse, every time you save the same file, the loss of quality accumulates so the image degrades more with every save.

HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is used by Apple’s iPhone (and soon, also on Android) as a modern replacement for JPEG. HEIF utilizes more advanced compression methods resulting in a 50% smaller file size but higher image quality than JPG. Edits such as rotating, cropping, adding text or overlays to HEIF images, the original image is not altered, so you can easily undo without losing image quality. However, this file type is not yet widely supported by the internet or editing apps so the iPhone and iPad automatically convert your photos to JPEG images when you attach them to an email or share them with a service that doesn’t support HEIF files. It also automatically converts them to JPEG when you import these photos onto a Windows PC.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), like TIFF, uses a lossless compression so image quality is not lost. GIFs are generally associated with the solid graphics on the internet, not photography, and are limited to 256 colors (8-bit color file) so color distortions occur. GIFs today are largely a novelty and used for low-level animation and short video clips, but GIFs can produce small 8-bit images. However, it is a dated technology now that PNG has been developed.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) supports both 8-bit color like GIF and 24-bit color RGB like JPG. They are “non-lossy files,” i.e., they compress photographic images without degrading image quality. It is an excellent format for transparency images, screen shots and non-lossy, smaller files. However, because they are the biggest of the filetypes (aside from RAW), they are not supported by some older browsers. There is not a single RAW file format; each digital camera maker has their own version of RAW. The concept behind this format is to capture a larger range of color and to provide minimal in-camera processing. Instead of the camera making photographic decisions, shooting images in Camera RAW allows the photographer to adjust image exposure, shadow and highlights, temperature, white balance, etc. as many times as they wish when editing the image, without damaging the image information in the file.

Apple’s Pro RAW (iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max) uses a similar process. After shooting the photo, the photographer uses the editing process to alter how the photo is rendered. The biggest drawback to shooting in the RAW format is the size of the file (about 25 megabytes) which comes out to be 40 photos per gigabyte of phone storage. If you have a smaller capacity iPhone Pro you could easily run out of space. Even with 512 GB of storage you will need to store photos elsewhere, and if you are a prolific photographer and are using iCloud, you will have to increase your storage plan, most likely to 2TB. editing your photos, RAW is a perfect way to do so, limiting visible compression, and allowing the photographer more editing control. If you are happy with the HEIF format, it is far superior to JPG. For lossless images, with larger file sizes, use PNG.

View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Nancy Fladell for her photo of Zach (aka Velcro), a 13-year-old Short Hair Pointer, who never leaves her side.

FEBRUARY FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Here are a few activities to get you moving. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. This time of year, Arizona’s climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors – what better way to venture out. Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines. HERE ARE A FEW HIKING OPTIONS SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK AND VIRTUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WATERFALL TRAIL IN WHITE TANK PRESERVE HOOP DANCE CONTEST MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK n 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix n Heard Museum n 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell n (602) 495-5458 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ n Sun–Thurs: 6 am–8 pm; Fri–Sat: 6 am–10 pm n (623) 935-2505 n Park entrance is $6 n Distance: 1.8 miles out and back Saguaros, ancient petroglyph carvings, wide paths and rocky outcroppings along this easy trail provide a slice of Sonoran Desert beauty without tricky footing or much elevation gain. Sighting the namesake waterfall at the end of the trail is rare, but possible if you come after a rain. DOUBLE BUTTE LOOP AND HOLE-INTHE-ROCK TRAIL IN PAPAGO PARK n 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix n phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ south-mountain n Distance: One-mile loop Second only to Camelback Mountain in fame are the trails at South Mountain Park. South Mountain is a city park and preserve that boasts the title of largest municipal park in the country. It has dozens of miles of trails and there are number that are good for beginner hikers. Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail: This is a barrierfree trail that makes it easy to get out and enjoy the beauty of South Mountain Park. Hike along and enjoy the interpretive signage then stop and relax at one of the trailside benches. n February 13, 2021 n (602) 252-8840 n 9 am–5 pm n heard.org/event/hoop/ n Please note: the 2021 event will be held virtually due to COVID–19. Top American Indian and Canadian First Nations hoop dancers will compete at the Heard Museum for the prestigious World Champion title and cash prizes. At this two-day competition, men and women compete on an equal field. The art of hoop dance honors the cultural traditions from multiple Indigenous communities that first employed hoop dance as a healing ceremony. n 5 am–7 pm n (602) 495-5458 n Distance: 2.3-mile loop (Double Butte) and 825 feet out and back (Hole-in-the-Rock) What better way to ogle the uncanny red sandstone formations of Papago Park than hiking around (and inside) them? The smaller two of these beautiful buttes can be explored on an easy dirt loop that MORE OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES: PLAN A PICNIC - PACK YOUR BASKET (OR FIND A NEARBY SANDWICH SPOT) AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS ENCANTO PARK n 2605 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix Today, hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to celebrate and honor Indigenous traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dancers are judged on a slate of five skills: precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity, and speed. Contestants compete in one of five divisions: Tiny Tots, age 5 and younger; Youth, 6-12; Teen, 13-17; Adult, 18-39; and Senior, 40 and older. starts in the West Park parking lot, accessible from n (602) 261-8991 Galvin Parkway. Then, drive across the street to the n 5:30 am–11 pmpark’s east side for a quick climb up rocky TEMPE BEACH PARK stairs to peek out n 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempefrom the cave-like Hole-in-the-Rock, a popular landmark (and n (480) 350-8625 n 6 am–10 pm prehistoric solstice- SAHUARO RANCH PARK tracking tool) with views of an oasis and distant city skyline. n 9802 North 59th Avenue, Glendale n (623) 930-2820 n 6 am–10 pm

YOUR NEW DISTRICT 2 REPRESENTATIVE

Alyson "Aly" Cline

Council Member District 2

Greetings Sun City Grand and District 2 residents! My name is Aly Cline, and I am your new District 2 representative. I was sworn in on January 5th, and I am so proud to be your voice on the Surprise City Council. One of the things I am most looking forward to as your District 2 representative is hearing from you! Please reach out to me anytime at aly. cline@surpriseaz.gov, or by calling 623.222.1322. Already, I have heard from some of my constituents with questions regarding the second government stimulus payment. The IRS has a “Get My Payment” tool on their website that can be used to find out if/ when you will be receiving a payment. Visit www.irs. gov/coronavirus/get-mypayment, then select the “Get My Payment” button. Please continue to reach out with any other questions or concerns you might have. Here’s a little information about me: I have been an active volunteer in the City for the last 11 years, as a representative on the Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission, as a volunteer coach for the City’s Parks and Recreation department, and participating in leadership for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life . I am also a lifetime member, board member, and volunteer for Friends of the Surprise Libraries Inc. I am passionate about women

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE TREATED LIKE FAMILY... AND WE LIKE OUR FAMILY!

Tom Ranalls • 623-695-5687 Kris Ranalls • 623-640-6199

T OM & K RI S R ANA LL S R E ALTOR S

tomrazhomes@gmail.com • krisazhomes@gmail.com

and minorities in business, veterans issues, education and literacy. Please keep an eye on my website, D2.Surpriseaz. gov, for information on my Community Meetings, as I will be reaching out to residents on a regular basis. My first virtual Meet and Greet via Zoom will be on February 10 at 10 a.m. I hope you can join me as I provide city updates and answer any questions that you might have. ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9 089130407?pwd=a3dSVE5I OXJKNzIvN0tXSm8zRmpV QT09 Meeting ID: 908 913 0407 Passcode: BOOKS

There are many great things planned this month in the City of Surprise! Please see the list below and visit our website at www.surpriseaz.gov for more information.

VALENTINES DAY Valentine’s Day is this month, and the Senior Center is hosting a virtual Valentine’s Day Canvas Decorating party! On February 12 at 9 a.m. Senior Center Members can create a love-inspired canvas using everyday household items. To reserve your canvas, call 623.222.1500.

SURPRISE DAY OF SERVICE If you are looking for a way to help your community, I encourage you to participate in the Surprise Day of Service on February 20 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Food Bank, located at 13050 W Elm St. To volunteer, please call 623.222.1522. Would you like to learn more about the City of Surprise? The Surprise City Academy is going virtual on February 22. This great program gives you an opportunity to learn about the City from the Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager and upper level city staff. The Surprise City Academy is free to attend, but you must be registered. You can learn more at surpriseaz.gov/city academy. SPEAKER SERIES A virtual AZ Humanities Speaker series begins on February 23 at 11 a.m. “For the Love of Turquoise” by Carrie Cannon. For registration information, please call Arts & Cultural Advisory Commissioner Kathie Morgan at 623.594.3963

SPRING TRAINING And last, but certainly not least, Spring Training at Surprise Stadium starts February 27! For the latest updates, please visit surprisestadium.com. As a reminder, City Council meetings are still closed to in-person attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but meetings can be viewed live on Surprise TV, or on Cox channel 11 and CenturyLink channel 8513. Instructions for how to comment during a meeting are included on meeting agendas. I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day and a wonderful February!